Department
NIAR Design, Analysis, Requirements & Certification (DARC)

Location
Wichita, KS-WSU McConnell

Job Summary:
The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University is a nationally known aviation research center, providing a wide range of services including research, design, testing, certification and training.
This role provides senior-level leadership for an external loads engineering group, functioning as an independent contractor responsible for guiding the team through the development of aircraft-level load cases and documentation required for program milestones. This position emphasizes technical direction, coordination of team activities, and mentoring of engineers at varying experience levels. Some travel may be required.

Job Responsibilities:
• Lead a team of engineers responsible for aircraft-level flight and ground loads development
• Establish team priorities, define technical approaches, organize work assignments, and ensure alignment with program schedule
• Proficient with static and dynamic external loads development
• Coordinate with Mass Properties, Flight Sciences, Stress, F&DT disciplines
• Prepare and deliver high-quality technical reports and customer-facing material
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, fostering skill development and communication
• Provide proactive communication and status updates to leadership and customers
• Work independently with minimal oversight while ensuring team performance
• Domestic travel up to 10% may be required.

Qualifications/Minimum Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Ten (10) years of experience in External Loads
• Leadership experience - leading an engineering team and acting as a technical focal
• Familiarity with civil and/or military requirements
• Demonstrated ability to meet schedule expectations
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Professional and diplomatic demeanor
• Strong accountability and integrity
• Experience mentoring of interns and junior engineers

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):
• Software Proficiency – Matlab, Nastran, Femap, Python, and similar tools

All services are pursuant to a Professional Services Agreement, which must be executed prior to being assigned work